For the first time since the Minehead Branch of British Rail was closed as part of the “Beeching Cuts” in 1971 through trains will operate between Minehead, Taunton and Bristol Temple Meads on selected dates between July 20th and August 27th.

The trains will run on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays and will be worked by Class 31 diesel locomotives dating from the late 1950’s. They will consist of 6 carriages and the partners involved are the WSR, Victa Westlink and Mainline Trains.

On each day the trains will leave Minehead at 11.10 and will call at WSR stations to Williton. They will then run to Bishops Lydeard, Taunton and Bristol Temple Meads.

Departure times are planned to be as follows; The full timetable for these days can be found can be found by clicking here  

Trains to Bristol

Change at Taunton for trains to Castle Cary, Newbury, Reading and London or South West England and change at Bristol Temple Meads for South Wales, the Midlands and North of England,  and Scotland (or, if you prefer) Bath and Swindon.

Fares:  There is a flat return fare  to and from ALL WSR stations to Bristol Temple Meads or vice versa of £21.95 for adults and senior citizens and £10.95 for children aged 5 to 15. The single fare is £15.00 for adults and £7.50 for children.

Return tickets are valid for a month so it is possible to either take a one night or short “City Break” (a chance to take in a show) etc)

To and From Taunton the Return fares are as follows:-

ToTaunton the Single fares are as follows:-

Local Resident Card Fares are available to and from Taunton but NOT to Bristol

There is no discount for WSR Staff or WSRA members on the trains to or from Bristol. Normal Concessions apply between Minehead and Taunton

How to book

Tickets can be purchased over the counter on the day of travel from Minehead Booking Office or from Travelling Ticket Inspectors on the trains if you are joining them anywhere else (you won’t be able to get tickets at the booking offices at Taunton or Bristol) . If you would prefer to pay in advance please ring the West Somerset Railway on 01643 704996 between 9 & 5 seven days a week. The WSR accepts all major credit and debit cards except American Express. The WSR cannot sell national rail network tickets to or from other destinations.

Book online for Tickets to or From Bristol to any West Somerset Railway Station at Tickets.web by clicking the logo below:

Passengers going into Taunton can have longer there by catching the 16.17 “Steamlink” Bus from Taunton Castleway (in the town centre opposite the Winchester Arms) which will connect with the 16.45 steam train from Bishops Lydeard, calling at all WSR stations and due into Minehead at 18.18 (see the Gold Timetable elsewhere in this website).

Other possibly useful information

Buses leave from outside Minehead Station at the following times for onward journeys.

Bus Number 39 leaves from outside Minehead Railway Station at 17.28 for Woodcombe, Selworthy and Porlock.

Bus Number 398 leaves from outside Minehead Railway Station at 1732 for Dunster, Timberscombe, Wheddon Cross, Exford, Winsford, Dulverton, Exebridge, Morebath, Bampton, Cove, Bolham and Tiverton.

And if waiting for the buses why not have a cup of something or even a Cream Tea in the Brunel Buffet on Minehead Station?

More bus and public transport information can be obtained by ringing 0845 345 9155